Porcellio Spinicornis "Bright"

Product Description

Porcellio spinicornis is a visually stunning and architecturally adapted isopod native to Europe. Often called the "Brickwork Isopod," this species is famous for its gorgeous, high-contrast pattern: a dark, charcoal-grey body adorned with bright yellow-to-gold spots and a distinctively darker head.

What makes P. spinicornis truly unique is its habitat preference. In the wild, they are "lithophilic" (stone-loving), often found in the mortar of old brick walls and limestone crevices. They have a flatter, wider profile than the common woodlouse, allowing them to cling tightly to vertical surfaces. They are extremely active climbers and are often seen exploring the higher points of a terrarium, making them a dynamic and highly visible inhabitant.

Perfect for temperate bioactive setups, rocky display terrariums, and keepers looking for a hardy species with a "designer" look.

Species Information

• Species: Porcellio spinicornis "Bright"
• Common Name: Brickwork Isopod
• Origin: Europe (Widely distributed in rocky/urban areas)
• Size: ~1.2–1.5 cm (Medium-sized)
• Activity Level: Very High / Active Climber
• Rarity: Common / Highly Popular for Pattern

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Very Easy (Great for beginners)
• Humidity: Low to Medium. They prefer a dryer environment than most isopods. Provide a sharp moisture gradient: 80% dry with one small, damp corner of moss.
• Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F). They are very cold-hardy but should be kept away from extreme heat.
• Ventilation: High. Good airflow is essential as they are adapted to breezy, vertical environments.
• Substrate: Organic soil mix with a high concentration of calcium/limestone.

Must Provide:

• Vertical Hides: Flat stones, slate, or vertical cork bark are essential for their climbing behavior.
• Dry hardwood leaf litter (Oak/Beech).
• A small, consistently damp "hydration station."
• Abundant Calcium: Being stone-dwellers, they have a very high calcium requirement.

Origin and Distribution

Porcellio spinicornis is native to Europe, but its adaptability has allowed it to spread to parts of North America.

Unlike forest-dwelling isopods, this species has evolved to thrive in rocky outcrops and, more recently, human-made structures like stone walls and basements. Their name spinicornis refers to the specialized structure of their antennae. Because they live on alkaline surfaces (like limestone and mortar), they are much more tolerant of dry air than other Porcellio species, provided they can retreat into a moist crevice to molt.

Diet

• Primary: Dry leaf litter, but they also graze on lichen and algae found on rocks.
• Protein: Moderate demand. Provide fish flakes or dried shrimp once a week.
• Vitamins: Occasional fresh vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
• Calcium: Critically Important. Provide cuttlebone or crushed eggshells at all times to support their heavily calcified shells.

What You Receive

• Starter culture of X Porcellio spinicornis isopods.
• Mixed sizes (juveniles and adults) to ensure a rapidly established colony.

Why Buy From Us

✔ Beautifully patterned, high-contrast captive-bred stock.

✔ Expertly packed for safe arrival.

✔ The perfect "active" species for vertical and rocky bioactive displays.